Discover the beauty of Derawan Island in Berau with snorkeling, whale shark, island hopping, and the taste of exotic seafood cuisine.
Derawan Island, part of the Derawan Archipelago in East Kalimantan, is a stunning destination with its marine natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystem.
The island is popular among local and international tourists, and is known for its tropical landscape and exotic underwater experiences. With an area of around 44.6 hectares, Derawan Island offers sea views, snorkeling, island hopping, and delicious seafood cuisine.
Attractions and Interesting Activities on Derawan Island
There are various attractions and activities that make Derawan Island a must-visit destination:
1. Exotic Sunrise and Sunset
Derawan Island offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. Tourists can enjoy it from the pier or even rent a boat to experience the sensation of an unobstructed panorama.
The warm morning sunlight or the orange glow at dusk creates the perfect atmosphere for taking photos or just relaxing.
2. Island Hopping to Surrounding Islands
From Derawan Island, tourists can do island hopping to nearby islands, such as Sangalaki Island, Kakaban Island, and Maratua Island.
Each island has its own attractions, such as the stingless jellyfish lake on Kakaban Island or the turtle nesting place on Sangalaki Island. In addition, there are Sanggalau Sand Dunes and Halo Tabung Cave which offer unique natural beauty.
3. Typical culinary delights of the Derawan Islands
Derawan Islands are also known for their unique seafood cuisine. Some of the typical dishes worth trying are kima-kima, a type of large salted clam, and kulabutan, a large squid that is dried and served as a side dish. These foods have a savory taste and distinctive texture, perfect enjoyed with warm rice.
4. Whale Shark Spot for a Unique Experience
Spot Whale Shark or whale shark around Derawan Island is a unique attraction that is often hunted by tourists. Whale sharks can be seen up close especially between December to March, the best season to witness this large marine animal.
Only about 30 minutes from the island, tourists can experience the amazing experience of witnessing whale sharks firsthand.
5. Snorkeling and diving in the underwater world
Derawan Island is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The marine life here is very rich, ranging from green turtles, pipe fish, to lobsters.
At a depth of about 10 meters, tourists can see the blue trigger wall, a stunning coral wall filled with trigger fish. Healthy and colorful coral reefs create a very beautiful and stunning underwater panorama.
Route to Derawan Island
There are two main routes you can choose to get to Derawan Island:
Tourists can land at Sepinggan Airport or Sultan Aji Muhammad Airport in Balikpapan, then continue the flight to Berau Regency. From Berau, the land journey continues to Tanjung Batu, and then tourists can take a speedboat for about 30-45 minutes to Derawan Island.
Another alternative is via Tarakan City. From here, tourists can head to Tengkayu Tarakan Harbor and continue their journey by speedboat to Derawan Island. This route is perfect for travelers who take a plane and arrive at Juwata Tarakan International Airport.
Entrance Ticket and Facility Rental Fees
There is no special entrance fee for Derawan Island, so tourists are free to visit this island without being charged.
However, for island hopping or renting a speedboat, the cost is around IDR 2,500,000 per day. This rate can vary depending on the type of speedboat and the number of passengers.
Facilities Completed on Derawan Island
Derawan Island has been equipped with various facilities for visitor comfort, including:
1. Accommodation Options
There are various accommodations on Derawan Island, from simple homestays to resorts with direct views of the sea. Some accommodations provide complete facilities, such as restaurants and additional tour services.
2. Local cuisine
Visitors can enjoy a variety of typical seafood dishes at local stalls and restaurants. With sea views and a beach atmosphere, dining here provides a unique experience that enriches your trip.
3. Water Rides and Equipment Rental
Visitors can rent snorkeling and diving equipment to explore the underwater beauty of Derawan Island. There are also rides such as banana boats that can be rented for more exciting water activities.
4. Places of Worship and Public Toilets
Derawan Island provides basic facilities such as prayer rooms, mosques, public toilets, and also tourist information centers to serve the needs of visitors.
Tips for Visiting Derawan Island
To make your visit to Derawan Island more comfortable and satisfying, pay attention to the following tips:
1. Visit in the Best Season
The best season to see whale sharks is between December and March. Make sure you schedule your visit during this period if you want to witness this unique phenomenon.
2. Bring Personal Snorkeling or Diving Equipment
Although there are rental places, bringing your own equipment can make tourists more comfortable and save costs.
3. Book Accommodation and Speedboat in Advance
During the holiday season, this island is usually full of visitors. Book accommodation and rent a speedboat well in advance to ensure a comfortable trip.
4. Maintain cleanliness and preserve nature
With its high biodiversity, the Derawan Islands require special attention. Always bring your own trash bag and avoid damaging coral reefs or littering.
Derawan Island offers a spectacular marine tourism experience, from stunning sunrise and sunset views to unique seafood cuisine. The beauty of the underwater is the main attraction for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
This island is not only about nature, but also the opportunity to taste traditional cuisine, watch whale sharks, and explore the beautiful islands around it.
With complete facilities and stunning natural scenery, Mandeh Island in East Kalimantan is a marine tourism paradise ready to provide an unforgettable holiday experience.